Test pilot and Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla is an Indian astronaut who made history as the first Indian to visit the International Space Station (ISS). On a recent podcast, he revealed that despite several Indian food options being prepared, only three were approved to be taken to space. Here’s why!
Only 3 Indian Foods Made It To Space With Shubhanshu Shukla
During the historic Axiom-4 mission in June 2025, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla carried three Indian food items to space. These were Gajar Ka Halwa, Moong Dal Ka Halwa and Aamras. But did you know several other Indian dishes were not approved for the mission? In a recent episode of Figuring Out With Raj Shamani, the astronaut revealed that the Defence Food Research Laboratory (DFRL), which is developing space food for India’s upcoming Gaganyaan mission, had prepared several other Indian dishes for Axiom-4.
The original menu included Indian comfort foods such as khichdi, pulao, vegetables and other dishes. However, after testing and evaluation, only three items were certified for the mission. Interestingly, all three were sweet dishes.
Also Read: Shubhanshu Shukla Shares How Astronauts Baked A Cake On ISS With Just 4 Humble Ingredients
Why Were The Other Indian Dishes Not Approved?
On the podcast, Shubhanshu Shukla revealed that DFRL, under DRDO, tried to prepare many Indian food items for the mission. However, there wasn’t just one reason why the other dishes did not make it to the final menu. Time was the biggest factor, as the remaining food items required additional testing and there wasn’t enough time for that.
Fortunately, the three approved dishes made it to space, and Shubhanshu shared them with the other crew members. Sadly, he couldn’t eat any of them because his fellow astronauts loved the sweets and finished them all! During his 13th day in space, Shubhanshu said he started missing Indian food and began craving salty snacks. After returning to Earth, he enjoyed banana chips and kachori.
Food sent to space must pass strict approvals from NASA and other space agencies. It should last for months without spoiling, be low in sodium, remain free from harmful bacteria and meet several other safety requirements.
Also Read: How Do Astronauts Take A Bath In Space? Shubhanshu Shukla Shows “World’s Most Expensive Sponge Bath”
Now we are curious to know how Moong Dal Ka Halwa must have tasted in space!
Cover Image Courtesy: Axiom Space/ Instagram and Canva Pro/ Falguni Mandal
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Who is Shubhanshu Shukla?
Shubhanshu Shukla is an Indian astronaut and the first Indian to visit the International Space Station (ISS).